There is something about cherries that always takes me back to childhood summers, and I still remember those sticky fingers, red lips, and that sweet, tart taste that never leaves you alone. Now imagine that same cherry charm, but now it is grown up, sitting quietly in a cocktail glass.
This Cherry Manhattan isn’t just a drink; it’s like that classic Manhattan, which puts on a softer smile on your face whenever it is sipped. This whiskey still carries its bold punch, but the cherry juice sneaks in like an old friend you didn’t realize you’d missed.
Adding cherry to the Manhattan drink makes the whole thing a little warmer. I still remember the first time I tried this drink, and I was expecting the cherries to overpower everything.
But it just balanced the bitterness so well, which makes my sip smoother. It was the kind of drink that you want on that night when the whole world feels too noisy to you.
Equipment Required
- Mixing Glass: You will need a mixing glass to combine all the flavors.
- Bar Spoon: We will use a bar spoon for stirring.
- Strainer: A strainer will be used to strain the drink as it is poured into the glass.
- Measuring Jigger: Use a measuring jigger to maintain the proper proportions of ingredients.
- Rocks Glass: Lastly, it is used to pour the drink.
Cherry Manhattan Ingredients & Substitutions
Note: The ingredients in this section are enough to make only two servings of Cherry Manhattan
- 2 ounces Rye Whiskey: You can also use Bourbon Whiskey.
- 1 ounce tart Cherry Juice: If you run out of Cherry juice, you can use Cranberry juice.
- ½ ounce sweet vermouth: I prefer this option, but if it’s not available, you can also use sherry.
- 3 dashes Angostura Bitters: Alternatively, you can try Peychaud’s or even Orange Bitters instead.
- Maraschino Cherries: If unavailable, Luxardo Cherries can be used as an alternative.
Preparation And Cooking Time
| Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 5 Minutes | – | 5 Minutes |
How To Make Cherry Manhattan At Home
- Take a mixing Glass and fill it with ice.
- Now, pour the whiskey, sweet vermouth, and cherry juice into it.
- Then, add a few dashes of bitters.
- Next, stir the drink gently for 20-30 seconds until it feels chilled.
- Now, strain it into the rock glass.
- At last, garnish it with cherries on top and serve to enjoy!
Expert Tips That I Recommend
- Chill your Glass before pouring, as it helps keep the cocktail smooth and cold.
- Add a cherry to the Mixing Glass for a deeper and richer cherry flavor.
- I prefer using big ice cubes, though they melt more slowly, so your drink doesn’t get watery.
- I recommend stirring, not shaking, to keep the drink clear and silky.
FAQs About Cherry Manhattan
Nutritional Information Per Serving
A Cherry Manhattan, essentially a twist on the classic Manhattan cocktail with cherry flavor, is not considered a healthy drink, though it can be enjoyed in moderation. It typically contains whiskey, sweet vermouth, and cherry elements (like cherry liqueur or syrup), which means it has alcohol, added sugars, and empty calories.
Check out the nutritional information below.
| Calories | 206 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 11 g |
| Protein | 1 g |
| Fat | 1 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Sodium | 1 mg |
| Potassium | 107 mg |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 7 g |
| Vitamin C | 10.1 mg |
The Cherry Manhattan drink aligns perfectly with people on a vegan or vegetarian diet, as it contains no animal products.
Recipe Variation For Different Diets
- Low-Sugar Diet: Use unsweetened tart cherry juice and a splash of diet-friendly simple syrup.
- Gluten-Free Diet: You can choose a gluten-free whiskey like some of the bourbons and ryes, which are naturally gluten-free.
Storing This Recipe
- In The Refrigerator: Mix the whiskey, sweet vermouth, cherry juice, and bitters in a clean bottle. Seal it tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
What To Serve With This Recipe
The Cherry Manhattan is enjoyable on its own; however, it pairs beautifully with Buffalo Wild Wings’ Fried Pickles. You can pair it with Gordon Ramsay Prawn Salad, or you can even pair it with freshly baked Jamie Oliver Yorkshire Pudding.
Printable Version
Cherry Manhattan Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Rye Whiskey
- 1 ounce tart Cherry Juice
- ½ ounce sweet vermouth
- 3 dashes Angostura Bitters
- Maraschino Cherries
Equipment
- Mixing Glass
- Bar Spoon
- Strainer
- Measuring jigger
- Rocks Glass
Instructions
- Take a mixing Glass and fill it with ice.
- Now, you have to pour the whiskey, sweet vermouth, and cherry juice into it.
- Then, add a few dashes of bitters.
- Next, stir the drink gently for 20-30 seconds until it feels chilled.
- Now, strain it into the rock glass.
- At last, garnish it with cherries on top and serve to enjoy!
Notes
- Chill your Glass before pouring, as it helps keep the cocktail smooth and cold.
- Add a cherry to the Mixing Glass for a deeper and richer cherry flavor.
- I prefer using big ice cubes, though they melt more slowly, so your drink doesn’t get watery.
- I recommend stirring, not shaking, because it keeps the drink clear and silky.
Nutrition
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Conclusion
With a little effort, you can make a delicious, sophisticated Cherry Manhattan cocktail that will impress your friends and family. So why not give it a try?
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